Hockey

Hailing from Portland, in 2008 the quartet Hockey brought us their brand 80’s synth laden dance-punk. Led by vocalist Benjamin Wyath the band’s revival of new-wave dance/punk and eccentricity didn’t go unnoticed. After first releasing their homemade debut EP “Mind Chaos” in 2008, they caught the attention of Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe who provided plenty of radio support eventually leading to them signing with Capitol Records. The EP was then re-released the following year through Capitol, reaching number 33 in the UK album charts. “Mind Chaos” featured some of their stand-out hits like “Too Fake”, “Work” and “Learn to Lose”. It wasn’t long before a buzz surrounded them leading them to play festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude and T in the Park.
Hockey’s music is made with live performances in mind and even through listening to them on record you get a little glimpse of what to expect live. Shrouded in 80’s inspired synths, combined with infectious new wave dance punk rhythms there is a warmth that envelopes the audience as they feel the music take control. Approaching the stage with bundles of enthusiasm and positive energy, it’s no wonder that they connect so strongly with the crowd through tracks like “Wild Style” and “Song Away”, taking them away to a time and place almost making them forget where they are. The stylised nature of Hockey permeates through every essence of their performance, it’s easy to find yourself getting lost in the music.